Area leaders flock to Governor's Economic Summit in Grand Rapids

Saturday

Mar 15, 2014 at 5:00 PM

By Brian.VanOchten@hollandsentinel.com

One place trying to help transform Michigan into the “Comeback State,” as Gov. Rick Snyder is fond of saying, is the West Michigan corridor, where unemployment has decreased and job creation and the housing market have gained.It is therefore fitting the region is hosting the 2014 Governor’s Economic Summit.The gathering of business, education and local government leaders is set for Monday and Tuesday at DeVos Convention Center, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, in downtown Grand Rapids.It runs 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday.The attendees, including lakeshore leaders, will explore solutions that have emerged since the summit last year, and consider how to turn those recommendations into common practices across the state."The Goverrnor's Economic Summit provides a collaborative forum for businesses, government and supporting organizations to work on solutions that deliver the talent needs of companies," said Christine Powers, director of business services for the Lakeshore Advantage economic development organization based in Zeeland. "Significant momentum in Ottawa County already is propelling activities locally."Creative approaches to develop, attract and retain talent are underway with FuturePrep Connections, the new Living on the Lakeshore talent attraction pool and skilled trades training funds," she said.Snyder is scheduled to speak Tuesday.Michael A. Finney, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is set to make opening remarks Monday.Other speakers include: Amway President Doug DeVos; Upjohn Institute senior regional analyst George A. Erickcek; Cascade Engineering Chairman and CEO Fred Keller; and Jeff DeGraff, University of Michigan Ross School of Business professor.